Ocean, nature, critters, and recreation

Mar 24, 2011

Yosemite National Park reopens with limited services

Yosemite National Park reopened with limited services Thursday morning, four days after the majestic western Sierra destination had been rendered inaccessible by heavy snow, fallen trees and power lines.

Highways 120 and 140, leading into Yosemite, were opened Thursday morning. Highway 41 was expected to open early Thursday afternoon. Hetch Hetchy Road and Badger Pass Road remain closed.

The park is open to day visitors until 7 p.m. Room reservations for overnight visitors will be honored.

The park plans to expand services Friday, if conditions warrant. The park remains without electrical power, but that's expected to be restored by the weekend. Generator power will be available in lodging facilities beginning Friday night. Heated tent cabins will be available at Curry Village.

Badger Pass Ski Area and Yosemite Valley campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend. The campgrounds are expected to open at noon Monday.

A winter storm warning is in effect through Friday morning so prospective visitors should call (209) 372-0200 for updated road conditions within the park. The number for recorded conditions outside of Yosemite is (800) 427-7623.

The Merced River Plan Recreation Workshop, which had been scheduled for Friday, has been postponed indefinitely.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Upper Yosemite Fall in Yosemite National Park during a break in stormy weather that had shut down the area since Sunday. Credit: Kari Cobb